THE family of a British blogger facing the death penalty in India called on the government today to secure his release.

Jagtar Singh Johal’s family said that he had been tortured during the more than six years that he has been languishing behind bars after being arrested in connection with Sikh human rights activism.

Mr Johal was allegedly bundled into an unmarked car while attending a family wedding in Punjab.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, his brother Gurpreet Singh Johal said the family had been “let down” by the government, but remained hopeful that new Foreign Secretary David Cameron could use “leverage” from contacts he made during his time as prime minister.

He said: “This government has really let down Jagtar and his family over the last six years.

“The bottom line is my brother’s life depends on what David Cameron decides to do and whether he decides to call for Jagtar’s release to bring him back home.”

The Foreign Office has been asked to comment.